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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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 Posted - August 06 2009 : 7:28:20 PM
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New England Town Offers Retirees Work to Pay Off Property Taxes
An innovative new program in Saco, Maine, allows older residents to work off a portion of their tax burden instead of paying out of pocket.
FOXNews.com
Thursday, August 06, 2009
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Like many seniors, Arlene and "Murch" Murchison live on a fixed income.
They face a roughly $1,400 annual tax bill, but this year will be different thanks to an innovative new program that allows older residents in the city of Saco, Maine to work off a portion of their tax burden instead of paying out of pocket.
"And this is a great way because it helps pay your taxes…and you have that extra money to do those things that you need to do," Arlene Murchison said.
Twenty residents have been accepted so far, trading a variety of odd jobs and services for tax relief. Arlene is assigned as a greeter at Saco's new train station. Her husband tags along for the ride -- a two for one deal.
Participants must be at least 60 years old and make under $60,000. The abatement is capped at $750 per household.
The program costs the city about $15,000, a bargain Saco officials say.
"It certainly helps them financially, but I think it just lifts their spirits even more," said Daniel Sanborn, the city's tax assessor.
From painting equipment to filing papers at City Hall, retired residents of Saco are turning their talents into city services.
City officials say the program gives retirees a sense of purpose and provides a welcome tax break in tough economic times. Participants say the true value lies in the building of community.
"It's not so much the money," Sanborn said. "It's 'the town needs me'."
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
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Posted - August 07 2009 : 08:20:27 AM
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The fact that Retirees have to work to pay property taxes is something I find disgusting to say the least. By definition, these folks already paid enough, and should be able to recieve a form of abatement. And why not? Such waivers are given to churches, hospitals, businesses, etc. as a form of inducement/reward. And I am in favor of rewarding individuals with such an abatement on their private residence, in recognition for a lifetime of work and tax contribution, as well.
YMH&OS,
The Sarge
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 07 2009 : 08:42:36 AM
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I understand and appreciate your sentiments, Sarge, but I think this is a great idea! In this economy especially, taking all of those retirees off of the tax roles would cause an enormous loss of revenue. Just think of all of us Baby Boomers who are now going into retirement! We are an enormous number of people. If I were retired and my village/town offered such a program, I would jump at it!
And the thing is.... they don't "have to work"... they can choose to work. And if their other option is to fall behind on their property taxes and face a forced sale for back taxes, how much better it is for them to have this option.
quote:
City officials say the program gives retirees a sense of purpose and provides a welcome tax break in tough economic times. Participants say the true value lies in the building of community.
This statement says it all. I like it!
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - August 07 2009 : 08:54:17 AM
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I do agree with the logic of your statement WW, and it is important take such things into account (pardon the pun) I was just looking at it as a form of respect for my elders, knowing that younger folks like myself can pick-up the slack. I would much rather pay more taxes to help the elderly widower next door with her property taxes (not that she needs it, but just an example), than pay more taxes to subsidize those able-bodied people who are too lazy and/or irresponsible to pay for their own health insurance.
YMH&OS,
The Sarge |
Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - August 07 2009 : 09:48:49 AM
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| I think it's great, I'm not into automatically giving anyone a "free pass". If there are extenuating circumstances, then quite possibly. Where I'm living now, "senior" homeowners get a VERY decent break on property taxes, some approaching 50%. This program is voluntary, and more importantly it's actually useful, - for ALL concerned. |
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